Page 27 of A Shadow Amongst the Roses

Eliza nodded once, her composure intact. Inside, something tightened.

Eleanor reached toward the bell, then stopped. Her hand fell back to her lap.

“It may be a blessing,” Eleanor said quietly. “To be forced to remain where you are.”

Eliza’s mouth curved in a restrained smile. “Forced blessings are rarely welcomed.”

Eleanor’s expression held steady. “No. But they are sometimes useful.”

Useful.

The word returned with sharp familiarity.

Eliza rose after breakfast and walked the corridor that led toward the service stairs. The house smelled faintly of beeswax and wet stone. Beneath it all was the scent of damp earth carried in on boots, on hems, on the sleeves of men who worked outside regardless of weather.

She found Thomas in the covered passage near the kitchens, speaking with the steward’s clerk.

The clerk held a ledger. Thomas held nothing but his patience.

Eliza slowed, remaining out of sight as their voices reached her.

“It’s not my decision,” the clerk was saying. “His Grace wants the accounts reviewed today. He asked for you to be present.”

“I’m not a clerk,” Thomas replied evenly.

“It’s not clerking,” the other man protested. “It’s only to answer questions about the plantings, the costs, the yield. You know the figures better than anyone.”

Thomas said nothing for a moment. When he spoke again, his voice was calm, but firmer.

“I know my work. That is enough.”

The clerk lowered his voice. “He isn’t asking to shame you. He’s trying to show the household he takes oversight seriously.”

Thomas’s answer came without hesitation. “Then let him oversee. I don’t perform.”

Eliza felt the words like a quiet strike.

The clerk exhaled, frustrated. “He wants you in the room.”

Thomas replied, “Then he should ask again when he understands why I won’t go.”

A pause.

The clerk’s tone softened. “It would be easier if you simply did it.”

Thomas’s voice lowered, even, and controlled. “Easier for whom?”

The question hung.

Eliza stepped into view then, her presence altering the air.

Both men straightened. The clerk bowed quickly. Thomas inclined his head.

“My lady.”

Eliza’s gaze moved to the clerk. “You’re asking Mr. Grey to attend His Grace’s meeting.”

The clerk swallowed. “Only to answer questions, Lady Thornhaven. His Grace believes it would—”